Senator Suzio Stands in Strong Support of Legislation to Reform State’s Early Release Program

HARTFORD, Conn. – Today State Senator Len Suzio (R-Meriden) released the following statement regarding the Senate passage of legislation making anyone convicted of a serious assault offense or forcible rape ineligible to earn risk reduction earned credits in prison. The RREC program in its current form allows those who are convicted of these crimes to earn early release credits while in prison – up to five days can be taken off their sentences each month.

“I am pleased to report that today the State Senate passed legislation that will not only make our state safer, but will strengthen Department of Correction policies,” said Sen. Suzio. “This bill hits close to home for me as I saw firsthand the suffering of the family of Ibrahim Ghazal just blocks away from where I live following a violent murder at the hands of a perpetrator, Frankie Resto, who was released early from prison.”

Senate Bill 885 would make those convicted of the following crimes ineligible for risk reduction earned credits:

• First degree sex assault of forcible rape, sex with a victim under age 13 or a mentally incapacitated person or gang rape
• First degree assault using a deadly weapon with intent to cause serious injury, disfiguration or amputation, or risks death to another through extreme indifference to human life
• First degree assault of elderly, blind or disabled
• First degree assault of a pregnant woman resulting in the loss of a baby

“I think this sends a clear message that as a legislature we are committed to keeping Connecticut residents safe from violent offenders. I want to extend a humble thank you to my fellow legislators who have decided to put the well-being of our families first,” said Sen. Suzio.

The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for final passage.

Sen. Suzio represents Cheshire, Meriden, Middlefield, Middletown and Rockfall.  He can be reached at 800-842-1421.